Jamal Mayers recalled some sage advice from a former Blues teammate to help him stay focused while he was being scratched from the Blackhawks' lineup.

"Keith Tkachuk used to tell me, 'If you want to make more money and you want to play more, play better,' " Mayers said. "I just have to play better."

The veteran has received the opportunity to do just that as he was in the lineup for the second consecutive game when the Hawks faced the Flames on Tuesday night at the United Center. Before the back-to-back games, Mayers was a healthy scratch in four straight contests for a total of 17 this season. That is a major change in ice time after being a regular player throughout most of his 15-season NHL career.

"It has been an adjustment, (and) it has been very tough," Mayers said. "I'm not going to tell you it hasn't. I've been very fortunate to play a long time. I can still skate, so I have that competitiveness I can bring every night.

"The team is playing extremely well, so you have to be a good teammate and try to be as positive as possible. I can help out the young guys still and remain a positive influence. I try to do that every day."